Torrential Rains Force Rural Sonoma County School Closures

SANTA ROSA (CBS SF) — An atmospheric river, stalled over Northern California, has dumped more than 9 inches of rain in some areas of Sonoma County, forcing several school districts to cancel classes Tuesday.

The National Weather Service said Cazadero has received 9.27 inches of rain over the last 24 hours, triggering flooded roadways along the routes used by its buses.

Meanwhile, the waters of the Russian River were rapidly rising swelled by runoff from the local hills. Forecasters predicted the river would top flood stage at 32 late Tuesday and further rise to 41.6 feet by 10 p.m. Wednesday.

The following Sonoma County school districts have announced closures for Tuesday.

Alexander Valley Union School District (flooded bus routes)

Geyserville Unified School District (flooded bus routes)

Guerneville School District (several bus routes are impassable)

Monte Rio School District (closing at 12 p.m. due to flooding)

Montgomery Elementary School District (no power)

There may be additional closures as the rain in the North Bay continues to fall.

Weather watchers have reported to the National Weather Service that more than 6 inches have fallen in Guerneville with 5 inches in Glen Ellen. Sebastopol, Windsor, Healdsburg and Occidental received more than 4 inches with more rain forecast for Tuesday.

On Tuesday afternoon, the Sonoma County Office of Education announced that the following schools would be closed on Wednesday.

El Molino High School (West Sonoma County Union High School District)

Forestville Union School District

Guerneville School District

Monte Rio School District

West County Charter Middle School (West Sonoma County Union High School District)